Myasthenia gravis is a pathology characterized by weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles.
In a large percentage of clinical cases, the muscles of the eyes, face, throat, neck and limbs are damaged.
Symptoms progress over time - unfortunately, within a few years of the disease, it becomes so severe that the patient's quality of life and general health condition significantly deteriorate.
The pathological process is caused by a violation of communication between nerves and muscles. No one is immune from myasthenia gravis, although statistically, women under 40 and men over 60 are especially often affected.
For diagnosis, it is necessary to check the neurological health status:
- Reflexes;
- Muscle strength;
- Muscle tone;
- Sensitivity to touch and light;
- Coordination;
- Balance.
A blood test is ordered to detect an atypical antibody.
Other important studies include:
- Repetitive nerve stimulation;
- Single-fiber electromyography;
- Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to detect a tumor or other type of problem in the thymus;
- Pulmonary function testing.
Several methods have been developed to treat the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
The course of treatment is individual and depends on the patient's age, the severity of the disease, and the rate of progression of the pathology.
Treatment methods include:
- Drug therapy;
- Intravenous therapy;
- Surgery.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-gravis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352040
